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KTM Triumphs in Dakar Rally

Sam Sunderland became the first British rider to win the Dakar Rally last weekend by riding his Factory KTM 450 across the line 32 minutes ahead of teammate Matthias Walkner. Sunderland led the Rally through the final week and ultimately was able to cruise home for the win.

Sunderland was unable to finish the Rally in two previous attempts, including 2012 and 2014, and was overcome by emotion following his victory.

“When I crossed the line I felt all the emotion hit me. The weight on my shoulders of the race over the past week, leading the rally has been really heavy. It’s the first Dakar I’ve ever finished and to finish first is an incredible feeling. I’m really lost for words.”

KTM swept the podium by taking third overall, as well. For full details and results, visit the official Dakar Rally web site.

Nice job on the part of Mr. Sunderland, who is surely a tough SOB to finish that rally, never mind first. To be fair, KTM has probably taken 80% of the top 3 positions in the last 15 years, but that is an incredible accomplishment in itself. I wonder whether they could safely move back to Africa now?

What’s equally incredible is that they’re doing this with 450cc engines. If you look at the footage, they seem really fast.
Which makes the Adventure Class trend for 1000cc-1200cc engines seem somewhat ridiculous. These Dakar Racers are large, tough & substantial motorcycles which need to be designed with longevity and maintenance in mind.

Not really. They need to survive the race. The 450s allow a much lighter overall motorcycle and are probably tuned for 60ish horsepower. That kind of power makes decent speed and less weight makes it easier on everything, particularly in the sand. Fighting a heavy bike in the sand is taxing and picking it up after the inevitable crash is really taxing. The big bikes also have tire issue caused by their weight. All the bikes had to do was last long enough for the above photo to be taken. Those babies could turn to sand on the way to the truck. Pour the sand in one of those big Champagne bottles and call it a souvenir.

These riders and teams are amazing on their 450s, but I wish this current version of the Dakar would bring back the large-displacement bikes as in the past. Watching liter-class machines/riders rip over African territory (when it WAS staged in Africa) was quite a spectacle.

Kyle said “dual sport” not “adventure.” I completely agree, the whole world is waiting for either a six speed DRZ (Suzuki, hey SUZUKI!! The number is SIX!!!) or a proper long lived 450 dual sport. Sbashir – your bike is awesome, it’s just waayy too big for the tight woods we have here in Western Washington.